J. Mohindroo

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of reticular diaphragmatic hernias in buffaloes.

A VARIETY of ruminoreticular disorders are of interest to clinicians. Reticular diaphragmatic hernias have been reported in both buffaloes and cattle (Prasad and others 1977, 1980, Ramakumar and others 1980, Misk and others 1997, Saini and others 2000, 2001, Misk and Semieka 2001), and diagnosis is based on the clinical examination, plain and contrast reticulography and exploratory laparorumenotomy (Ramakumar and others 1980, Fubini and others 1990, Misk and Semieka 2001). Ultrasonography is useful as a diagnostic tool for reticular disorders and has been used in cases of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and reticular abscess (Braun 2003, 2005). However, its use has not been reported in the diagnosis of reticular diaphragmatic hernias in large animals. This short communication describes the successful diagnosis of reticular diaphragmatic hernias in buffaloes using ultrasonography. Twenty buffaloes with reticular diaphragmatic hernias were studied. The animals had a common history of partial anorexia with little or no defecation and recurrent tympany for two to four weeks. Eight animals were in advanced pregnancy, eight had calved recently and four were in late lactation. The lactating buffaloes showed a significant and sudden fall in milk yield. Ultrasonography was performed in the standing animal restrained in a cattle crate without any sedation, using a Concept/MCV Veterinary Ultrasound Scanner (Dynamic Imaging), in real time B-mode with a 3·5 MHz microconvex transducer. Before examination, the ventral aspect of the thoracoabdominal wall on both the right and left sides of the sternum, as well as the right lateral wall up to the level of the elbow extending from the eighth to the third intercostal space, was shaved thoroughly, washed and transmission gel was applied liberally. First, the motility of the reticulum was identified within the abdomen at the level of the sixth to seventh intercostal space by placing the transducer at the level of the elbow in the sixth and seventh intercostal spaces and then moving it downwards to the ventral midline. The reticulum was located, observed for three minutes without moving the transducer and the frequency of biphasic reticular contractions was recorded to give the reticular motility pattern (Braun 2003). Then the reticulum in the thoracic cavity was scanned. The transducer was placed at the fifth, fourth and third intercostal spaces, and, as before, scanning was performed from the elbow level down towards the ventral midline. The presence of the reticular wall and motility in the thoracic cavity indicated that the reticulum had herniated into the thoracic cavity. Ultrasonography of the reticulum was performed in all the animals using a microconvex transducer that was easy to manoeuvre in the narrow intercostal spaces of the cranial thorax. The reticulum within the abdominal cavity at the level of sixth and seventh intercostal space was crescentshaped with a smooth contour, and was more clearly discernible near the ventral midline. The serosa and mucosa of the reticulum were separated by a hypoechoic muscularis mucosa in most of the animals (Fig 1). The honeycomb structure of the reticulum could not be seen ultrasonographically in any animal. Only the reticular wall nearest the transducer and adjacent to the abdominal wall could be visualised ultrasonographically; the deeper structures could not be seen. Foreign bodies (metallic/non-metallic) within the reticulum could also not be seen. In 18 buffaloes the reticular motility in the abdomen was characterised by biphasic contractions and the reticulum was hypermotile with six to eight contractions every four minutes, while in two buffaloes no reticular motility was apparent. Scanning of the reticulum in the thoracic cavity revealed that the reticular wall was further away from the thoracic wall than it was from the abdominal wall when scanned within the abdomen. The reticular wall in the thoracic cavity appeared as a relatively straight or undulating line (Fig 2). Once the reticular wall was identified, the transducer was fixed in a position to record the reticular motility, and this was compared with the motility pattern of the reticulum in the abdominal cavity. When the motility patterns of the abdominal and herniated reticulum matched, the animal was declared positive for reticular diaphragmatic hernia. In two animals, although the reticular wall was evident in the thoracic cavity, a reticular hernia could not be determined ultrasonographically, due to the lack of a motility pattern, which was considered essential to confirm the diagnosis. No false positive results were recorded. The 20 buffaloes were subjected to exploratory laparorumenotomy to confirm the ultrasonographic findings, and all the animals were found positive for reticular diaphragmatic hernia, with a tear in the diaphragm varying in size

Comparison of radiography and ultrasonography for diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in bovines.

The present study was conducted on 101 animals suffering from thoracoabdominal disorders; out of which twenty seven animals (twenty six buffaloes and one cow) were diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia based on clinical signs, radiography, ultrasonography, and left flank laparorumenotomy. Radiography alone confirmed diaphragmatic hernia in 18 cases (66.67%) with a sac-like structure cranial to the diaphragm. In 15 animals the sac contained metallic densities while in three cases a sac-like structure with no metallic densities was present. Ultrasonography was helpful in confirming diaphragmatic hernia in 23 cases (85.18%) and ultrasonographically reticular motility was evident at the level of 4th/5th intercostal space in all the animals. B+M mode ultrasonography was used for the first time for diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in bovines and the results suggested that ultrasonography was a reliable diagnostic modality for diaphragmatic hernia in bovines.

Epidemiological Studies on Canine Mammary Tumour and its Relevance for Breast Cancer Studies

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Its incidence is rising globally and more so in the developing countries. There is a need to look for suitable animal model for biomedical research and pharmaceutical trails for this dreadly disease. In this pursuit, huge naturally occurring resource of canine mammary tumour may provide valid answer to impending questions in a shorter time frame. However, the epidemiology of canine mammary tumour (CMT) is poorly documented, especially in India. The present review deals with global and Indian scenario related to epidemiology of canine mammary tumour and its relevance as a model for human breast cancer.

Propofol and thiopentone sodium as induction agents in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): a comparative study

Propofol and thiopentone sodium as induction agents were evaluated in 12 healthy water buffaloes of either sex (3–5 years; 350–500 kg). Midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) + butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg) intravenously was used for premedication in both groups. After 5 min of premedication, anaesthesia was induced by 1% propofol (3 mg kg−1) in PRO group and by 5% thiopentone sodium (10 mg kg−1) in THIO group and maintained with isoflurane-oxygen mixture up to 30 min. Anaesthetic efficacy was assessed on the basis of quality of induction and recovery, time taken for induction and recovery and incidence of side effects. Heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature and mean blood pressure were also monitored. Propofol provided rapid and smooth induction of anaesthesia along with satisfactory conditions for endotracheal intubation. Propofol was associated with lesser respiratory depression than thiopentone sodium. Side effects like apnea and regurgitation were lesser and recovery was faster and smoother following propofol administration. Propofol was shown to be superior than thiopentone sodium and can be used as an alternative to thiopentone sodium for induction of general anaesthesia in water buffaloes.

Comparative evaluation of halothane and isoflurane maintenance anesthesia in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Halothane (HAL) and isoflurane (ISO) maintenance anesthesia in 12 water buffaloes was compared on the basis of certain cardiopulmonary, hemodynamic, acid base, electrolyte, and recovery parameters. Buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups: HAL (n = 6) and ISO (n = 6), premedicated with midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) intravenously, and 5 min later, induced to anesthesia by intravenous thiopentone sodium (10 mg/kg IV, given till effect). Anesthesia was maintained with halothane or isoflurane in oxygen at a total gas flow rate of 4–6 lt/min. Results revealed that recovery with isoflurane was more rapid than halothane with a significant (p < 0.05) difference in recovery quality between two groups. Heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in HAL group. Values of pHa decreased significantly (p < 0.01) and PaCO2 increased significantly (p < 0.01) in HAL group. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in PaO2, HCO3, and plasma electrolytes between two groups. Values of SpO2 decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in HAL group. Isoflurane maintenance anesthesia contributes to a shorter, safer recovery from anesthesia with maximum preservation of cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic functions along with minimal changes in acid base parameters in water buffaloes. Thus, isoflurane maintenance anesthesia is better than halothane maintenance anesthesia in water buffaloes.

Comparison of radiography and ultrasonography in the detection of lung and liver cysts in cattle and buffaloes

Aim: Echinococcosis is the major cause of lung and liver cysts in ruminants. This study compared usefulness of radiography and ultrasonography (USG) in the detection of lung and/or liver cysts in sick bovine animals. The study also worked out cooccurrence of lung and liver cysts, and whether these cysts were primary cause of sickness or not. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 45 sick bovine (37 buffaloes and 8 cattle) suffering from lung and liver cysts. A complete history of illness and clinical examination was carried out. Lateral radiographs of chest and reticular region were taken. In radiographically positive or suspected cases of cysts, USG of the lung and liver region was done. Depending on the location of cyst and clinical manifestations of the animal, the cysts were categorized as primary or secondary causes of sickness. Results: Using either imaging technique, it was observed that 46.7% of the animals had both lung and liver cysts, whereas 33.3% had only lung and 20% had only liver cyst. Cysts were identified as primary cause of sickness in 31.1% animals only. For diagnosing lung cysts, radiography (71.1%) and USG (62.2%) had similar diagnostic utility. However, for detecting liver cysts, USG was the only imaging tool. Conclusion: The lung and liver cysts, depending on their number and size may be a primary cause of sickness in bovine. Radiography and USG are recommended, in combination, as screening tools to rule out echinococcosis.

Clinico-hemato-biochemical profile of dogs with liver cirrhosis

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relevant tools in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis in dogs. Material and Methods: A total of 140 dogs presented at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, showing clinical signs of hepatic insufficiency were subjected to clinico-hemato biochemical, urological, ultrasonographic (USG), and USG guided fine-needle biopsy examinations by standard methods. On the basis of these results, 6 dogs out of 140 dogs were found to be suffering from liver cirrhosis. Six clinically healthy dogs constituted the control group. Results: The dogs suffering from liver cirrhosis manifested inappetence, halitosis, abdominal distension, weight loss, melena, icterus, anemia, and neutrophilic leukocytosis with the left shift. Levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and platelet count were significantly lower in liver cirrhosis group than control group while total leukocyte count, neutrophils, and MCH concentration were significantly higher. Glucose, total protein, albumin, A/G ratio, and fibrinogen were significantly lower, and creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, prothrombin time, and APTT were significantly higher than the control values. Ultrasound revealed diffuse increase in echogenicity with rounded and irregular liver margins. Cytological examination of the ascitic fluid and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of liver was not fruitful in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Liver cirrhosis causes clinical and hemo-biochemical alterations, which require special consideration when treating diseased animals. USG, diffuse increase in echogenicity of liver, rounding and irregularity of liver margins and microhepatica were the consistent findings. It is suggested that USG along with hemo-biochemical alterations may be used as a diagnostic tool for liver cirrhosis in dogs.

Defect nonunion of a metatarsal bone fracture in a cow: successful management with bone plating and autogenous cancellous bone graft.

A two-and-half-year-old cow was presented with a defect nonunion of the right metatarsal III/IV bone following a severely comminuted open fracture two months previously. The animal underwent open fixation using a 4.5 mm, broad, 10-hole, dynamic compression plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft collected from the contralateral iliac shaft. The animal started partial weight bearing after the third postoperative day and resumed complete weight bearing after the 10th day. Fracture healing was complete and the implants were removed after the 120th postoperative day. Stable fixation by means of a bone plate in conjunction with a cancellous bone graft facilitated complete healing and restoration of the bone column of the defect and the metatarsal fracture. The animal made a complete recovery.

Surgical Repair of Radial-Ulnar Fracture by Static Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing in a Crossbred Heifer

OBJECTIVE  Study included surgical management of radius and ulna fracture in a 2-year-old, 220 kg crossbred heifer presented with a 2-day-old history of injury resulting in severe, non-weight bearing lameness of the left forelimb. METHODS  The condition was diagnosed clinically and confirmed radiographically as a middle third oblique comminuted fracture of the left radius and ulna. Static intramedullary interlocking nailing was performed for fracture fixation. An interlocking nail of 12-mm diameter and 26-cm length was introduced in a retrograde manner from the distal aspect of the radius. RESULTS  The animal was able to bear weight on the affected limb within 7 days post surgery. Good callus formation and complete weight bearing were observed by 35th day. Bending of the screws and osteophytic reaction were the major postoperative complications observed radiographically. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE  From this case study, it was established that static intramedullary interlocking nailing can be used as an alternative technique for fracture repair of the radius and ulna in cattle where stable fracture fixation by bone plating is questionable.

Differential diagnosis and surgical management of cecal dilatation vis-a-vis cecal impaction in bovine

Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the clinical and hemato-biochemical alterations, ultrasonography, and surgical treatment of bovine suffering from cecal dilatation and cecal impaction. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 11 bovines (9 buffaloes and 2 cattle) suffering from cecal dilatation (n=6) and cecal impaction (n=5). The diagnosis of surgical affections of cecum was made on the basis of clinical examination, hematobiochemistry, ultrasonography, and exploratory laparotomy. Results: A marked decrease in serum total protein, albumin, chloride, potassium, and calcium levels while an increase in lactate concentrations was recorded. Peritoneal fluid examination revealed an increase in total protein concentration. Per rectal examination along with ultrasonography was used as a confirmatory diagnostic tool for cecal dilatation and cecal impaction. Ultrasonographic features of cecal dilatation and cecal impaction were recorded. Left flank laparorumenotomy was performed in six animals with dilated cecum along with colonic fecalith. Post-rumenotomy, these animals were treated with massage of cecum along with kneading of colonic fecalith. Right flank typhlotomy was done in the remaining five animals having impacted cecum for decompression of the dilated cecum. 9 of 11 animals survived which underwent surgery and remained healthy up to 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Ultrasonography was reliable in the diagnosis of cecal dilatation and cecal impaction in bovine. Left flank exploration after laparorumenotomy is an ideal surgical technique for the management of cecal dilatation, while right flank typhlotomy is ideal for the management of cecal impaction in bovine.